Appendix J Glossary of Terms or References

ACAAmerican Chiropractic Association

activator techniqueA system of adjustment using a hand held, manu­ally assisted, spring activated device which deliv­ers a controlled thrust.

acupressure/Meridian therapyThe practice of applying digital pressure to stimu­late certain sites on the skin to affect distant functional mechanisms of the body. This therapy is based on the belief that these sites are organized along meridians which carry the life force that innervates the body.

acupunctureThe practice o f insertion of needles into specific exterior body locations to relieve pain, to induce surgical anesthesia, and for therapeutic purposes.

adjustmentA forceful thrust which is meticulously con­trolled as to its direction, amount of force em­ployed, and the quickness with which it is ap­plied.

adrenal disorderA dysfunction of the adrenal gland which is located near the kidney.

AMAAmerican Medical Association

amyotropic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease Nervous system disorders characterized by demyelinization and degeneration of neural tis­sue.angina pectorisA condition marked by recurrent pain in the chest or left arm, caused by an inadequate blood supply to the heart muscle.

APAAmerican Psychological Association

applied kinesiologyThe dynamics of smooth and striated muscle and the impact o f these tissues on body structure, healing processes, and disease processes. In particular, applied kinesiology focuses on the identification and correction of proprioceptive dysfunction of ligaments and of the muscle spindle cells and golgi tendons. In addition, applied kinesiology is concerned with the vascular, lym­phatic, and othersystems supportingpropermuscle dynamics.

arterial aneurysmAn enlargement of one aspect of an artery caused by weakness in the arterial wall.

aseptic necrosisA condition which is not a specific disease entity but caused by disruption in normal circulation to the involved bone. It can result in pain, loss of bone density, bone collapse or fracture. Some possible areas of involvement include the hip, shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee, or heel.

associateshipA practice arrangement between two or more chiropractors. Commonly entered into by some recent chiropractic college graduates in order to gain clinical practice experience.

asthmaA condition marked by recurrent attacks of wheez­ing due to spasmodic contraction of the bronchi in the lungs.

atelectasis or pneumothoraxCollapse o f a part or the whole o f the lungs due to absence of gas in the lung cavity or the presence of airorgas in the pleural cavity located between the lung and chest wall.

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Barge techniqueA system of x-ray analysis, palpation, and adjust­ing procedures directed at correcting vertebral misalignments involving a shifting of the nucleus pulposus.

B.E.S.T. TechniqueBio-Energetic Synchronization Technique,

biofeedbackA training technique designed to enable an indi­vidual to gain some element of control over autonomic body functions. The technique is based on the learning principle that a desired response is learned when received information (feedback) indicates that a specific thought com­plex or action has produced the desired response.

bursitis or synovitisInflammation o f the bursa or synovial membrane. Bursitis is occasionally accompanied by a calcific deposit in the underlying supraspinatus tendon.

carpal or tarsal tunnel syndromePeripheral nerve compression syndromes; carpal tunnel syndrome affects the median nerve in the carpal tunnel of the wrists; and tarsal tunnel syndrome affects the posterior tibial nerve or plantar nerves in the tarsal tunnel of the foot.

CCECouncil on Chiropractic Education

CCRConsortium for Chiropractic Research

cervical spineThe first seven vertebra, the first of which articu­lates with the base of the cranium, and the seventh articulates with the uppermost vertebra o f the thorax.

certificationA voluntary program that typically recognizes individuals that have the education or training beyond the basic level of competency necessary to practice in a profession.

chiropracticChiropractic is a branch of the healing arts which is concerned with human health and disease pro­cesses. Doctors of chiropractic are physicians who consider man as an integrated being, but give special attention to spinal mechanics, musculo­skeletal, neurological, vascular, nutritional, and environmental relationships.

chlamydiaA sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacteria of the family chlamydiaceae.

colitis or diverticulitisInflammation of the colon or the diverticulum.

concurrent conditionA bodily condition which may include illness, malfunction, or disease for which the patient is not reporting to the chiropractor for care. The condition is called “concurrent” because it is present with another condition for which the person is seeking care.

congenital/developmental anomalyAn abnormality that is present at birth or appears in later development.

content-related evidence of validityEvidence that shows the extent to which the content domain of a test is appropriate relative to its intended purpose. Such evidence is used to establish that the test includes a representative or critical sample of the relevant content domain and that it excludes content outside that domain.

COPDChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Gener­alized airway obstruction, particularly of small airways, associated with combinations of chronic bronchitis, asthma, and emphysema.

correlation coefficientAn index which can range from -1.00 through 0 to +1.00, indicating the extent that two variables relate.

Cox/Flexion-Distraction techniqueA system of procedures using distraction, or

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doctor controlled tractive forces applied to a specific level of the spine with or without articular facet adjustment.

cranial nerve disorderA condition affecting one or more of the twelve pairs of cranial nerves.

cranial techniqueA technique to correct immobilities and asymme­tries of the cranial bones.

cryotherapyThe use of cold as a treatment modality.

CT scanComputed tomograms combine the use o f com­puters with advances in X-ray technology to produce sectional images in almost any anatomi­cal plane of the body.

D.C.Doctor o f Chiropractic

Delphi studyA method o f study originally developed by the RAND Corporation to arrive at reliable predic­tions about the future of technology. Widely used when convergence of opinion through group con­sensus is needed.

dermatitisInflammation of the skin,

diathermyTherapeutic use of high-frequency electric cur­rent to produce a thermal effect (heat) in the deep tissues of the body.

direct currentAn electrical current which flows in one direction only. When used medically it is called the gal­vanic current; this currenthas distinct and marked polarity and marked secondary effects. These secondary effects include thermal changes and pain control. Galvanic stimulation may also be used to move fluids, exercise muscles, and relax spasticity.

diversified techniqueFull spine chiropractic adjustive technique de­signed to correct vertebral malpositions and fixa­tions in the most efficatious manner possible with respect to the clinical circumstances. In general, each college teaches its own diversified tech­nique.

electrical stimulationThe use of an electrical current in the 1-4000Hz range to elicit a desired physiologic response.

emphysemaA pathological accumulation of air in tissues or organs; applied especially to swelling of the al­veoli or o f the tissue connecting the alveoli in the lungs, accompanied by tissue atrophy and breath­ing impairment.

endocrine or metabolic bone disorderCondition of the endocrine or metabolic system that produces a pathologi cal effect on bone tissue.

epiphysitisInflammation of an epiphysis or o f the cartilage that separates it from the main bone.

extra-spinal joint conditionsConditions involving the joints not of the spinal column, ie. ankle, knee, shoulder, fingers, etc.

extremity subluxation/joint dysfunctionRefers to an incomplete or partial dislocation in which the articular surfaces have not lost contact. A certain degree o f joint fixation exists which prevents normal joint motion and a return of the joint to its normal juxtaposition. Extremity subluxation may involve static properties (malposition) and/or dynamic properties (joint fixation) both of which result in joint dysfunction.

FCERFederation of Chiropractic Education and Re­search

FCLBFederation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards

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field internshipPracticing under the license and/or direct supervi­sion of one or more physicians in an existing fee- for-service practice.

field testA trial test of the survey of chiropractic given to 30 practitioners. Used to identify and modify any problems participants may have had in under­standing and completing the survey.

finite population correction termA factor included in the standard error formula which reduces the standard error as the proportion of the population sampled increases.

frequency factorThe estimated number of times the practitioner completing the survey performed the specified activity.

full spineA chiropractic treatment approach which assesses all spinal levels as compared to approaches which focus on selected areas o f the spine.

Gonstead techniqueA “full spine” chiropractic method developed by Clarence Gonstead which utilizes radiographic analysis, instrumentation, and palpation to locate and specifically determine the malposition of subluxated vertebrae, which are then corrected manually.

Grostic techniqueAn upper cervical technique developed by John D. Grostic, Sr. that utilizes a specific measured analysis of the cervical spine together with manual adjusting to re-establish biomechanical balance of the spine.

hiatus or inguinal herniaThe protrusion of a loop or a part o f an organ or tissue through an abnormal opening.

homeopathic remediesSubstances which are capable of producing in healthy persons symptoms like those of the dis­ease being treated. Extremely small dosages are

used to stimulate the body's natural defenses against the disease.

hyperlordosis of cervical or lumbar spineIncreased anterior curvature o f cervical or lumbar spine.

ICAInternational Chiropractic Association

impairment evaluationAn evaluation to determine if there is an impair­ment o f a body part.

immunological disorderDisorder of the immune system.

importanceIn the analysis of the survey, Frequency and Risk were multiplied together and the resultant product was labeled “importance”.

interferential currentA physiotherapy modality which consists of two medium frequency currents that cross deep within a body part, and in so doing, trigger the formation of a third current that radiates from the inside to the outside o f the target tissue, providing thera­peutic treatment to the tissues.

infrared baker lampA source of superficial heat utilizing radiation with a wave length between 7,700 and 14,000 Angstroms. Units are generally classified as either luminous ornonluminous.

integumentThe skin as the covering of the body. Also known as integumentum.

interim survey formThe survey form administered to a small sam­pling of chiropractors and used to refine the form used for the study called “Survey of Chiropractic Practice”.

intervertebral disc syndrome A conglomeration of signs and symptoms usually consisting of episodic low back pain with pos­

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sible symptoms o f unilateral sciatic pain, progres­sive buttock, thigh, calf, and heel pain. There may also be a “C” scoliosis away from the side of pain, splinting, and a flattening of the lumbar spine. Weakness, numbness, and decreased reflexes may be noted in the involved extremity. This is a clinical diagnosis of disc herniation not verified by surgical intervention.

job analysisAny of several methods o f identifying the tasks performed on a job or the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform that job.

job inventoryA list o f tasks and functions performed on a job. The basis for forming a job analysis.

kyphosis of thoracic spineIncreased posteriorconvexity of the thoracic spine.

licensureThe process of granting a license which is re­quired by law in order to enter a profession. It is the most restrictive form of occupational regula­tion because it prohibits anyone from engaging in the activities covered by the scope of practice without permission from a government agency.

Life upper cervical techniqueAn upper cervical technique that utilizes a spe­cific measured analysis of the cervical spine and a mechanical adjusting instrument to re-establish biomechanical balance of the spine.

Logan basicA full spine technique that utilizes a system of body mechanics and adjusting procedures devel­oped by Dr. Hugh B. Logan.

lumbar spineThe portion of the spine between the thorax and pelvis; ie. low back vertebrae.

manipulationThe therapeutic application of manual force. Spi­nal manipulative therapy broadly defined includes all procedures in which the hands are used to mobilize, adjust, manipulate, apply traction, mas­

sage, stimulate, or otherwise influence the spine and paraspinal tissues with the aim of influencing the patient’s health.

meanArithmetic average.

Meric techniqueA system of analysis and adjusting in which the body is divided into zones.

methodologyThe design of a study or procedures utilized in a study.

MRIMagnetic Resonance Imaging. A diagnostic im­aging modality that uses a magnet, radio fre­quency transmission and reception, and has the ability to discriminate the location of a signal arising from the body of a patient in a three- dimensional coordinate system.

muscular atrophyWasting away of muscle tissue.

muscular dystrophyDegenerative genetic disease characterized by weakness and atrophy of muscles.

muscular strain/tearInjury caused by an over-exertion or over-stretch­ing of some part of the musculature and ligamen­tous structures.

National Advisory CommitteeCommittee composed of representatives from state examining boards, chiropractic educators, and private practitioners to offer guidance to the job analysis project.

National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE)National testing agency for the chiropractic pro­fession.

NBCE Job Analysis Steering CommitteeCommittee composed of representatives of the Board of Directors of the National Board of

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Chiropractic Examiners, given the responsibility of guiding the job analysis project.

neuralgiaPain which extends along the course of one or more nerves.

neurological examExamination of the nervous system.

neuromusculoskeletal examination (NMS)A series o f specific tests performed to determine the structural integrity and functional capacity of the bones, muscles, and nerves of the body.

NIMMO/Tonus receptor techniqueSystem of deep connective tissue and fascial manipulation developed by Dr. Raymond Nimmo.

NUCCA techniqueAn upper cervical technique developed and en­dorsed by the National Upper Cervical Chiroprac­tic Association; the objective o f this technique is to balance the pelvis and spinal column to the body’s vertical axis.

objective structured clinical examinationAn examination characterized by the use of stan­dardized patients who are extensively trained to reliably portray a health condition.

orthopedic examExamination of structures involved in locomo­tion including joints, muscles, ligaments and connective tissue, orthoticsAn orthopedic appliance or apparatus used to support, align, prevent, or correct deformities or to improve the function of parts of the body.

osteoarthritis/degenerative joint disease A disease occurring primarily in older people, characterized by degeneration of the cartilage and hypertrophy of bone. Generally accompanied by pain and stiffness.

osteopathA healthcare practitioner whose treatment is based

on the theory that the body is capable of making its own remedies against disease and other toxic conditions. Osteopaths utilize generally accepted physical, medicinal, and surgical methods of di­agnosis and therapy, while placing emphasis on the importance of normal body mechanics and manipulative methods of detecting and correcting faulty structure.

osteoporosis/osteomalacia Conditions marked by softening or degenerating of the bone mass sometimes accompanied by pain, tenderness, muscular weakness, leading to bone fractures with minimal trauma.

Palmer upper cervical/HIO techniqueA technique that utilizes specific x-ray analysis and adjusting procedures developed by B. J. Palmer for correction of subluxations in upper cervical vertebrae only.

paraffin bathThe therapeutic application of melted paraffin wax that has been diluted with mineral oil in a predetermined ratio (eg. 4:1). A form of superfi­cial heat transferred by conduction.

pathologyThe structural and functional manifestations of disease.

peripheral neuritisInflammation, pain, and tenderness o f a periph­eral nerve.

Pettibon techniqueAn upper cervical technique that is based on spinal biomechanics and engineering physics theo­ries developed by Dr. Burl Pettibon. The tech­nique utilizes specific x-ray analysis and manual adjusting techniques as well as a mechanical adjusting instrument.

Pierce-Stillwagon techniqueA full spine technique that utilizes specific x-ray analysis procedures, instrumentation procedures and adjusting procedures developed by Dr. Walter Pierce and Dr. Glenn Stillwagon.

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pigment disordersAbnormal skin coloring.

pilot testA preliminary survey conducted by the NBCE to help determine the appropriate format and content of the Survey of Chiropractic Practice.

pituitary disorderA disorder of the pituitary gland most commonly originating in the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland or in the neurohyophysis.

polycythemiaAn increase above normal in the number of red cells in the blood.

practical examAn exam that requires licensure candidates to perform tasks or procedures which might com­monly be required in practice.

Practice Model LogAn instrument developed for self-administration by practicing chiropractors. Doctors provided information on each of 10 consecutive patient visits. Data from the survey was used as an additional source of information about the profes­sion as well as a basis for developing the Interim Survey Form, preceptorshipUndergraduate and graduate programs in which the chiropractic college may place a student chi­ropractor or a recent graduate in a licensed chiropractor’s office to leam clinical procedures and patient management methods under guide­lines established by the sponsoring chiropractic college.

presenting conditionOne or more symptoms or other concerns for which the patient is seeking care or advice.

proportional samplingA form of sampling in which the number selected is a percent of the population.

psoriasisA condition which produces dry, scaling patches

of skin sometimes associated with a distinctive arthritis.

radiculitis or radiculopathyInflammation or disease of the root of the spinal nerve.

RANDA nonprofit institution that seeks to improve public policy through research and analysis.

rating scalesRating scales attempt to obtain appraisals on a common set of attributes for all raters and ratees and to have these expressed on common quantita­tive and qualitative scales.

reliabilityThe degree to which test scores are free of errors of measurement.

return ratePercent of practitioners selected to complete the Survey of Chiropractic Practice who either re­turned the survey form or who were accounted for in another manner.

research protocolsProcedures to be followed in a research study,

risk factorThe degree of risk to public health or patient safety perceived by survey respondents relative to omission or poor performance of 45 activities listed in the Survey of Chiropractic Practice.

roentgenologyThe branch of radiology that deals with the diag­nostic and therapeutic use of roentgen rays.

sampling designThe specified method by which individuals are selected to be surveyed.

S.O.A.P.Subjective, Objective, Assessment Plan/Proce­dure. A method of recording information in a patient’s record based on a problem-oriented clini­cal approach.

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S.O.T. techniqueA system of soft tissue, reflex, diagnostic and adjusting techniques developed by Dr. M.D. DeJamette; this technique emphasizes the close physiological and biomechanical relationships between the sacrum and the occiput.

SPECSpecial Purposes Examination for Chiropractic. The SPEC is designed to assess licensed or previ­ously licensed chiropractic practitioners in areas reflecting clinical conditions encountered in gen­eral practice. Available beginning March 1993.

spinal adjustmentThe art of replacement to their normal position of subluxated vertebrae for the purpose of relieving impingement of the structures transmitted by the intervertebral foramen, thus restoring to the parts supplied by these nerves their normal innerva­tion. This replacement of subluxated vertebrae usually is accomplished by the application of a definite thrust by the hands of the chiropractor in contact with the subluxated vertebra.

spinal canal stenosisA significant reduction in diameter of the spinal canal which may result in symptoms of spinal cord or nerve root compression.

standard deviationThe standard deviation is a measure of variability, spread or dispersion of a set of scores around their mean value.

standard errorThis is an abbreviation for standard error or estimate, which indicates the accuracy of a score. The standard error of estimate is the standard deviation divided by the square root of the sample size, and corrected for sampling from a finite population.

subluxationA subluxation is the alteration of the normal dynamics, anatomical, or physiological relation­ship of contiguous articular structures.

survey instrumentRefers to the questionnaire developed by the NBCE for the Survey of Chiropractic Practice job analysis.

systemic/rheumatoid arthritis or goutInflammation of the joints which tends to be chronic and progressive, leading to deformities and disability.

“t-test”A statistical procedure used to determine whether two means (arithmetic averages) differ signifi­cantly from each other.

tendinitis/tenosynovitisInflammation of a tendon or inflammation of atendon and its enveloping sheath.

Thompson techniqueA system of analytical and adjusting techniques developed by Dr. J. Clay Thompson that empha­sizes the use of a Thompson terminal point adjust­ing table.

thoracic outlet syndromeCompression of the brachial plexus or subclavian artery by attached muscles in the region of the first rib and clavicle.

thymus or pineal disorderThe thymus gland is associated with cell-medi­ated immunity. Pineal gland dysfunction may be responsib le for some cases o f hypo or hypergonadism but speculation as to the gland’s actual function still exists.

thyroid or parathyroid disorderDysfunction of the thyroid or parathyroid glands, producing abnormally high or low concentrations of the circulating hormone levels which control the body’s metabolic functions.

TMJ syndromeThose various symptoms of discomfort, pain, or pathosis stated to be caused by loss of vertical dimension, lack of posterior occlusion, or other

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malocclusion, trismus, muscle tremor, arthritis, or direct trauma to the temporomandibular joint.

Toftness techniqueA system of analysis and adjustment of the spine developed by Dr. I.M. Toftness.

tractionTherapeutic technique utilizing axial tension ap­plied to a body segment.

ulcer of stomach, intestine or colonA lesion on the inner mucous surface of the digestive tract caused by superficial loss of tissue, usually with inflammation, ultrasoundTherapeutic technique that utilizes high frequency sound waves to produce micromassage and deep heating effects in a body segment, ultraviolet therapyModality that produces radiation with strong ac­tinic properties and is used to produce photo­chemical effects.

upper cervical vertebraeThe most superiorly located bones of the spine, usually referring to the first and second cervical vertebrae.

validityThe degree to which inferences from test scores are appropriate, meaningful or useful.

vertebral facet syndromeA condition in which symptoms arise from in­flamed, damaged, or dysfunctional vertebral fac­ets; often accompanies increased spinal lordosis and may be secondary to intervertebral disc fail­ure or degeneration.

vertebrobasilar arterial insufficiencyLack of adequate blood flow through the vertebral arteries or their union which forms the basilar artery, ultimately resulting in cerebral ischemia or decreased blood flow to the brain.

vibratory therapyThe use of fingers or a mechanical device to

produce oscillations in body tissues or to stimu­late proprioceptive nerve functions.

weighting factorA number used when aggregating data from indi­viduals or subgroups such that the aggregated sample accurately represents the population.

whirlpool/hydrotherapyModality that may utilize cold or heated water to produce various mechanical and/or physiological effects on the body or a portion of the body.

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